Reward Your Run with a Full Weekend of Dry Creek Valley & Surrounding Wineries

Reward Your Run with a Full Weekend of Dry Creek Valley & Surrounding Wineries

It’s marathon morning, October 29th. Your costume came together and you and your friends are eager to run! The race begins and you’re off to a steady pace, soaking in the idyllic views of wine country and breathing in the fresh autumn air. Along your race you pass through 2 celebrated Sonoma County winegrowing regions, but the one you spend your majority in is Dry Creek Valley – home to sweeping views, old vines, intimate experiences and hundreds of world-class wines. Dry Creek Valley is an intimate 16-miles long, by 2-miles wide. Within Dry Creek Valley are 60+ wineries, legendary peaches (only available while in season!), acres of olive trees with locally pressed olive oil, and a sense of belonging that is prominent with every bend in the road. Learn more about Dry Creek Valley here.

When you next visit Dry Creek Valley, visit these wineries to remind you of your amazing time at the Healdsburg Wine Half Country Marathon. Or – get a step ahead and familiarize yourself with the area now!

There are many things that Mazzocco’s winemaker, Antoine Favero does right – and by many things, we mean all of the wines you’ll taste at Mazzocco. Favero specializes in vineyard designate wines from all over Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma County. For Zinfandel fans, we can’t recommend Mazzocco enough for your itinerary. With a variety of tasting options, you can opt for a Vineyard Designate flight of five wines or their Elevation Flight and sample wines from all elevations found in Dry Creek Valley.

One of Dry Creek Valley’s newest wineries, Comstock has quickly made a name for itself. Comstock has high quality wine for everyone including a variety of red and whites. You’ll find mouthwatering Viognier, modern-style Chardonnay, Old Vine Zinfandel and bold Cabernet Sauvignon – all in one tasting room! You’ll be visiting Comstock for your Pre-Race Dinner with speaker Meb Keflezighi, but be sure to come back as a variety of experiences await you. Yoga in the Vines happens the first Sunday of the month followed by a wine and brunch pairing. Blending seminars and bocce and pizza, there’s always something amazing going on at Comstock.

Continue your tasting trip with one of the best views in Dry Creek Valley at Sbragia Family Vineyards. Schedule a tasting on their beautiful terrace and make sure to order their cheese & charcuterie platter. Owner and winemaker Ed Sbragia comes from a Beringer background and shines with California style wines like his Home Ranch Chardonnay. Reds not to miss: La Promessa Zinfandel & Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.

Next stop is the creekside, Truett Hurst where the Healdsburg Half Marathon’s Welcome Reception will be. Truett Hurst has a diverse tasting menu featuring high-quality Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Rosé, Pinot Noir, a variety of Zinfandel and more. On the weekend you’ll often find live music in the tasting room. Once you’ve tasted through their menu, it’s time to scout the property! You’ll find chickens and goats, a gorgeous garden, and red Adirondack chairs perfectly placed next to the creek. Come back with a bottle of wine and it’s the perfect place to relax with friends.

Did someone say Creekside? We couldn’t mention the Dry Creek without mentioning Martorana Family Winery. Past the bocce ball courts lies hidden multiple picnic benches available to reserve with only the background music of the trickling creek playing. Plan ahead and order a picnic basket with Martorana wine and local food packed just for you and your friends. All of Martorana’s wines are organic – so no environmental guilt allowed! Their Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon are great in any vintage and are cellar worthy. Martorana Family Winery also plays host to the Finisher’s Celebration after the race on Saturday.

Mauritson Wines sits beautifully on the corner of Dry Creek Road and Lytton Springs. Remember to show off your costume at post-race costume contest for a chance to win wine from this critically-acclaimed winery. This family owned and operated winery is in its sixth generation of winemaking and farming. Famous for their refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel & Cabernet Sauvignon – it’s sure to be a memorable destination on your tasting journey. Mauritson makes divine wine from the Rockpile AVA which overlaps Dry Creek Valley into the North. This region is highly prestige among sommeliers and wine fans, don’t leave without a bottle for your collection!

At the heart of Dry Creek Valley you’ll come to Wilson Winery. Wilson boasts a variety of different styled wines made by esteemed owner/winemaker Diane Wilson. Diane has been recognized at the top of the winemaking game countless times and when you taste her wines, you’ll know why! Wilson’s tasting room is a recognizable tin barn that has stood in Dry Creek Valley for over 100-years. Home to one of the most iconic pieces of art in the Valley, Wilson is a stop you won’t soon forget.

There are 60+ wineries just in Dry Creek Valley – with so many options it can be difficult to plan out your day. For more information on Dry Creek Valley wines, wineries, travel tips and for hand-curated itineraries you can visit drycreekvalley.org.

Sponsored by Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

Just outside of Dry Creek Valley in Geyserville are the brilliant wineries that play host to our start line and finish line.

Virginia Dare Winery brings to life the myths, people, and history of American winemaking, celebrating a heritage that goes back more than 400 years. They craft unique fine wines using heritage grapes grown in the best viticulture regions of California. In addition to tasting experiences, their trading post–inspired gift shop offers beautiful art and artisan products that pair effortlessly with their wines. Catch a view of the vast barrel room, admire their collection of Native American art, and enjoy an atmosphere that pays homage to a simpler era while offering the pleasures of a modern-day wine country experience. In a few short weeks, Virginia Dare will be adding a restaurant to the mix!

Leo Trentadue has a reputation for openness to new ideas. Over the years, this inveterate tinkerer has been among the first to experiment with what resulted in a number of viticultural/wine industry innovations. Boasting some of the oldest Carignane vineyards in America, Trentadue has become known for its mastery of Italian red varietals. Over the years, Trentadue has become the leading producer of dessert wines in the area, including the wildly popular Chocolate Amore. Stick around ater the post-race Wine & Music Festival to experience their intimate tasting room set on expansive, historical grounds.

Not yet registered? Take advantage of Trentadue’s Wine Club offer while it’s still around: Join any level of their wine club and receive 50% off your Healdsburg race registration! Email raceinfo@destinationraces.com with proof of your membership to receive your 50% off code.